Democratic Convention Watch: Open Thread

Tuesday, April 01, 2008

Open Thread

WE'VE MOVED! Democratic Convention Watch is now at http://www.DemocraticConventionWatch.com

What is McCain's latest "senior moment", what does Obama need to do to win in November or whatever else is on your mind.

And please be excellent to one another. We do not accept name calling or any attacks on our commenters. Any objectionable comments will be deleted. Try to be civil.

Thanks!

Previous Open Thread is here

9481 comments:

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Bob in Vancouver said...: Kujo:

You can add me to the list. As I said last night on this blog, Lou Dobbs tries to maskarade as an Independant, but he's a strait on Republican hack. The way he talks to some of his guests makes me ill.. He thinks he's a, and CNN sells him as a, brilliant (commentator) analyst. He is another one who frequently distorts the truth for his own purposes. He's in the entertainment business.

Independant Voter replied to my blog last night that Lou Dobbs was actually a xenophobic Libertarian. I would add that to the list of descriptors of Lou Dobbs as well.

The guy's entire pitch has only one song, and that is a populist therory that government is incompitent, while he has all the answers.

Yes I agree he's an $%@!^&#$.; September 15, 2008 1:40 AM
suzihussein22 said...: I'd like to post in leah's honor that the WSJ actually has Obama +1, but the polls' avg. are McCain +2.

aunt jean and leah-I hope everything is recovering okay. When you get situated, maybe you can help me fuss at the state representatives and the AG about the gas price gouging. A lot of the gas stations rationed gas this weekend. It's a good thing I make up a shopping list and stick to it or I wouldn't have any gas to go to work this morning.; September 15, 2008 7:18 AM
Vicki in Seattle said...: I'm waiting: real clear politics can't keep that one (ONE!) McCain +10 poll on their rolling average forever. by my calcs, it should drop off the page today - then the average should drop from McC +2.1 to +1.0 or so. and then I expect it to taper off rapidly over the next week. the rest of the polls are a lot less. That one poll is clearly an outlier.; September 15, 2008 9:19 AM
UUbuntu said...: "They also have phenomenal voice recognition software for those who can afford it."

As someone who was an engineer who worked on the first 8 versions of Dragon NaturallySpeaking (from version 1.0 in 1997 through version 8.0 in 2005), I would like to thank you for mentioning voice recognition software. Version 10 (for Windows only) is now out and is priced at about $100-$150 depending on the "edition". It does work really well, especially once you've learned "how to talk".

There are a couple of cute "Easter eggs" in the product as well.; September 15, 2008 11:56 AM
Karen Anne said...: McCain = Herbert Hoover?

Obama = FDR?

Probably true, one can hope.; September 15, 2008 1:08 PM
UUbuntu said...: Tony Lewis, a family friend and author of several books, including Gideon's Trumpet, has written a review of several books about the current US policy on torture and where it stands as of today in the New York Review of Books, called Official American Sadism. The article is long (as are many NY Books articles), but very much worth reading. If nothing else, the last 8 paragraphs indicate where our government stands in much of the civilized world, and where we as a people may stand if we do not change our policies.

http://www.nybooks.com/articles/21794; September 15, 2008 1:32 PM
UUbuntu said...: McCain = Herbert Hoover? Obama = FDR?

Personally, I believe that Bush is more like Hoover (certainly from his economic policies and their results) than is McCain, though McCain doesn't really present any change in economic plan that I know of.

However, Obama strikes me more like JFK (or Lincoln) than FDR. When comparing Obama to Clinton, I always felt that Clinton was more LBJ or FDR -- the hard-headed implementer of Democratic Party policy -- and that Obama was more like JFK or Lincoln -- the level-headed person who listens to all sides of an issue and then makes his decision.

All four of these Presidents are worthy role models for our candidates (though LBJ's escalation of our Vietnam conflict does cast a long shadow over all of his other Presidential accomplishments); September 15, 2008 1:43 PM
Karen Anne said...: Yes, I just meant that this financial mess might land on the doorstep it belongs on, and that would benefit Obama.

I have hoped for awhile that if he gets elected, he'll do fireside chats on the issues/legislation of the day, tho.; September 15, 2008 3:22 PM
Doug said...: My apologies if this has already been posted:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/joseph-romm/obama-nails-the-winning-m_b_126479.html

Using Palin's lies to attack Mcain's honor is going to be very effective, and I particularly like the reference to Palin as the "earmark queen"!; September 15, 2008 4:54 PM
jean said...: doug,
Thank you for the posting.
I do not know if it has already been posted, unfortunatly to busy.
The stock market sucked.
You did make my day with the post though.
jean; September 15, 2008 5:09 PM
Doug said...: Don't worry about the stock market... unless you are an employee of one of the investment bankers. I really think the "end is near" in terms of the bad news. When the MSM gets preoccupied with the bad news, then you know that it is a good time to invest! There is still a bit of sorting out to come, but Obama is going to find the financial skies clearing at his inaugural--perfect timing! In the meantime, McEconomyisFundamentallySound looks like the out of touch fogey that he is, to Obama's advantage!; September 15, 2008 5:19 PM
jean said...: Been reading.
Filtering.
One statement stuck out.
With McCain "No Middleclass" will survive.
That pretty much is VERY clear.
Sorry for the down note. It has been a down day.
D***.
jean; September 15, 2008 5:35 PM
Doug said...: Hi Jean, I am sorry you have had a crummy day, and I don't know your personal situation in terms of how you are affected by the financial markets. Whenever you see the market heading down like this though, there are people buying, too, because there are "bargains" to be had. The only time stocks go "on sale" is at times like these, and it is an opportunity to do the first half of "buy low, sell high". By the end of 2009 I will bet the US DJIA will be back to the 13000-14000 range, which is at least 25 to 30% over its close today.

So--hang in there!; September 15, 2008 5:47 PM
Karen Anne said...: Hi, Jean,

I'm sorry it's been a bummer. I hope you have a cash reserve so you don't have to do anything in a hurry.

I really don't understand what is happening in the market in terms of how it affects regular people like us. But I am not running out and selling anything.

I have enough of my savings in miserably low yielding CDs so that I have a bit of a cushion. That barely keeps up with inflation and sometimes it doesn't, but it helps combat that sick feeling when stuff like this happens.; September 15, 2008 6:14 PM
jean said...: Hi Dave,
Nice to meet you.
I am a mortgage banker that, believe it or not, has only 3 foreclosures from people I have worked with. Been doing it for 20 years. Those people just over extended themselves, I have no control over that.
Let us just say my business is rather difficult right now;0
Boy I sound like a whiner.
I am just glad I moved all of my 401ks to cash 8 monthes ago.
Just a rough Monday.
jean; September 15, 2008 6:15 PM
Karen Anne said...: p.s. Jean, if Obama gets elected you will likely get a tax cut.; September 15, 2008 6:16 PM
Karen Anne said...: Jean, what is actually going on with mortgages now? Is it that even people with good credit can't get them? So you have a decline in business?; September 15, 2008 6:19 PM
Doug said...: Hi Jean, I am told I look like Dave all the time! ;)

Kudos for you great personal financial planning! Timing the market is virtually impossible. I am a financial planner in training by night, and a Biz prof by day. One of the statistics that always jumps out at me is how most individual investors do not match the market's returns in their portfolios, mainly because of taking money out/putting it in at the wrong time.

Tomorrow will be better!; September 15, 2008 6:24 PM
jean said...: karen anne,
I have no problem doing mortgages but you have to have equity.
If you are at 80% loan to value you can get 5.375% on a 30 year at one point.
The problem is that values have declined 20 to 50% depending where you are.
IF you have equity now is the time to refinance.
For personal use mortgages are there and a 720 fico helps but yes it can be done if it is lower.
Equity is the problem.
jean; September 15, 2008 6:26 PM
jean said...: This comment has been removed by the author.; September 15, 2008 6:34 PM
jean said...: Doug,
Sorry about the prior comment.
Deleted it. What was I thinking.

Just spinning a little bit to get things in line.
Nice meeting YOU LOL.
I am so glad that I put everything in cash in my 401ks when I did.
jean; September 15, 2008 7:03 PM
Karen Anne said...: Parody of ABC interview

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rfz6QGmuvp4; September 15, 2008 7:24 PM
Kujo said...: McCain is trying to spin this Economic down turn, specifically today's events as more corruptions in DC.

I really disagree with this. It was Replican policy, not corruption that caused the financial crisis that we are in today.

I think Obama needs to stress this point; September 15, 2008 7:52 PM
Karen Anne said...: One of the twits who blogs for the Times on The Caucus swallowed the McCain war injuries Internet thing. And got pounced upon by commenters, including one who had a link to this article showing McCain with a lot of dexterity as well as other comments blowing this out of the water.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/09/12/yes-mccain-can-use-electr_n_126130.html

McCain's campaign really must think we're idiots. Who would think no one would look for photos?; September 15, 2008 7:56 PM
jean said...: karen anne,
Once things are figured out with Palin, that is the Achilles Heel.
She is the only chance that McCain has.
We all know she is a shell of a piece of crap. The shell needs to be broken
Without her his number dwindles.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/09/15/mccains-crowd-numbers-plu_n_126490.html
jean; September 15, 2008 8:05 PM
Beryl said...: Most Americans are simple but Obama's speeches are still geared toward the savvy. These things resonate with ordinary citizens.

1. Drill, baby, drill - Savvy people realize that we won't see benefits for 20+ years.

2. How many houses do you have? Savvy people know that rich people lose count of their real estate investments.

3. Sarah Palin, soccer mom, is just like you.
Savvy people don't want the country run by someone with so little knowledge and less wisdom.

Obama's ads are sometimes too lofty and intellectual. For example, we understand that the world is electronic and internet based but a significant number of Americans don't even have internet access. They don't care that McCain can't send an email.

For the sake of our country we need to connect with the ordinary citizens. The campaign needs advice from not just the very smart but the more simple among us. We only have 50 days.; September 15, 2008 9:32 PM
Vicki in Seattle said...: btw, I came away from this weekends' events with a handful of voter registration forms. I've been asking random people if they are registered (also if they are 18 and US citizens, LOL).

turns out my business parter isn't registered! neither is his wife or mom! so I gave him 3. He supports Obama (not so sure about his wife and mom, but probably the same, they are good people).; September 15, 2008 9:50 PM
Mike in Maryland said...: Speaking of voter registration, the state of Virginia usually goes through 350,000 forms in an election year, and now you can download the form from the Virginia State Board of Elections web site. Even so, the number of people requesting the form has been so vast that the State Board of Elections is ordering the printing of an additional 200,000 registration forms.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/09/14/AR2008091402085.html

Mike; September 15, 2008 10:04 PM
Vicki in Seattle said...: hey someone on another message board that I go to, posted a youtube of Obama posting (supposedly) about 57 states. what can I say, it's a pile of Republicans, they are making me sick

I think it's actually about 57 elections, but I need help counting them up --- 50 states, plus DC, Guam, Puerto Rico, and .... four more? Unless he's referring also to states that had both caucuses and primaries?

I should go watch that damned youtube.

anyone got an explanation? I need to defend our guy. please and thanks!; September 15, 2008 10:51 PM
Independent Voter said...: Vicki, OLD news. That event took place during the primary and he had explained that he meant to say 47.; September 15, 2008 11:04 PM
Vicki in Seattle said...: I thought so, debating the best way to make my point. I kinda want to be snarky about it, too.; September 15, 2008 11:06 PM
Independent Voter said...: But other contests (out of the 50 states) include: Puerto Rico, Guam, US Virgin Islands, Democrats Abroad, DC, American Samoa. So technically there were 56 contests.; September 15, 2008 11:13 PM
Mike in Maryland said...: Dave,

If you count the Texas Two-step as two different elections, then there were 57 different primary-season contests.

There were 50 state contests, plus the six non-state contests you named, for a total of 56. Then add another for Texas, and thus the 57 contests.

Mike; September 15, 2008 11:40 PM
apissedant said...: Dave! You beat me to it. Yeah, he definitely said that he had visited 57 states. One little mistaken digit is no big deal. I make more mistakes than that every single day, and Palin and McCain make more mistakes every single minute.; September 15, 2008 11:47 PM
Independent Voter said...: If you really want to get technical Mike, there are several states that have a caucus and a non-counted primary like Washington State.; September 15, 2008 11:51 PM
Independent Voter said...: But you are right since in TX, both of the contests are counted.; September 15, 2008 11:51 PM
Independent Voter said...: p'd ant - just like Obama has said on NUMEROUS occasions - he isn't perfect.; September 15, 2008 11:52 PM
apissedant said...: tyler,
Thanks for the information about voice recognition. I tried the early versions about ten years ago, and they were not that great. It was also a cheapo version, which didn't help either. I've heard from friends and professionals that the new versions are outstanding, but I wasn't aware of the current prices. Rather affordable for most people.

I know foreign students have to taken an English test using voice recognition software before they can teach. I have heard very good things. I just wish the Virginia Department of Transportation would update their software. ;); September 15, 2008 11:52 PM
Kujo said...: Love it.

As I am the last to find out things (these days I go to dnc before cnn), I still like to bring up a few items.

Everone here has watched the View, here is the clip where McCain says that his ads are NOT lies.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?
v=AC_RCP4hOUE

Since McCain has gotten slammed by the devel's themselves (O'Reily, Rove) who said McCains ads are slimmy, McCain today seemed to changes his mind.

I can not find the quote now, but McCain is now saying that Obama did not refer to Palin when saying Pig, opposite to his ad and what he said on the view.; September 16, 2008 12:04 AM
Independent Voter said...: OMG! HOW FUNNY Watch this VIDEO; September 16, 2008 12:09 AM
apissedant said...: As far as the market is concerned, I would not expect a bounce back anytime soon.

I would like to point out that people have been saying that it can't get worse and that it would bounce back for a couple of years now, before it even really dipped.

On another rare occasion where I was actually right, I kept saying how the market conditions were actually dependent on borrowed money, and that this trend could not continue forever. Last year the mortgage market started to crumble, and everyone said buy buy buy!!!! EVERYTHING IS GOING DOWN BUY! IT CAN'T GO DOWN ANY FURTHER!

Yes it can. Yes it did. As far as the housing market is concerned, it will continue to fall until the prices allow the vacant homes to be bought up, and the payments on these homes are an adequate percentage of household income.

Housing prices have historically risen, but family income has historically risen relatively in line with this rise. The last 10 years has been an aberration in this pattern, as housing prices have continued to rise at historic levels due to lax regulations and poor individual planning, and income has remained predictably stagnant do to stupid government policies.
The end result was a serious shift in the amount of income devoted to household costs. Added to this was the staggering rise in prices of food and energy. This further stretched already damaged budgets, and is causing a nasty correction.

Any economic policy that would immediately stop this fall would actually be against our own best interest. The fact is that the American people have to stop spending 104% of their annual income, have to reverse the enormous trade deficit, and eliminate the enormous ACTUAL deficit.

Anything preventing this from occurring is simply delaying the correction and passing on an even larger problem to our children.

The times of blue collar workers driving brand new vehicles every two years and the American economy making a fortune by selling foreign goods to American workers needs to come to an end. We have to contribute to society too. We cannot continue to live off the labor of the Chinese and Indians.

There is no such thing as a free lunch. American manufacturing and the American work ethic of my grandparents' generation needs to return.

That's MY two cents.; September 16, 2008 12:09 AM
apissedant said...: This guy on Comedy Central is great. I love this man!

"Do you support the troops?"
"Yeah"
"Wanna give 'em a pay raise?"
"Oh no not like that!"
"So what are you going to do?"
"I figure I'd put on this little bumper sticker and drive around in my Hummer."; September 16, 2008 12:11 AM
Beryl said...: "p'd ant - just like Obama has said on NUMEROUS occasions - he isn't perfect. "

And that was a minor gaffe when you think about it in terms of the additional contests that he probably talks about regularly. It is not like he made the SAME mistake over and over showing that it wasn't just a slip of the tongue. McCain said Czechoslovakia over and over. He also mixed up Sunni & Shiite multiple times.; September 16, 2008 12:16 AM
jean said...: Indy,
You are so bad. he he he;)

Palin will not cooperate even though it is a bipartisan investigation.
Whatever, if you have nothing to hide, well, just stupid.
http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/09/15/palin.investigation/index.html
jean; September 16, 2008 12:16 AM
apissedant said...: beryl,
Agreed. As I said, no big deal.; September 16, 2008 12:20 AM
Kujo said...: Why would Alaska vote for McCain?

They have thrived on Earmarks, Nosemarks and all other marks for the last umteen years. If McCain would win, that would be 300 million less per year that they would get.

Just shows Palin would turn in her own mom just to advance her career.; September 16, 2008 12:20 AM
Bob in Vancouver said...: Here are Sarah Palin's daily approval numbers from the Daily Kos/Research 2000 tracking poll:

Approve Disapprove No Opinion
9/11: 52 35 13 +17
9/12: 51 37 12 +14
9/13: 49 40 11 +9
9/14: 47 42 11 +5
9/15: 47 43 10 +4

In the span of five days, Palin has gone from +17 to +4 -- a statistically significant shift. This includes the Gibson interview as well as the media's sudden focus late last week on the Palin/McCain lies. In comparison, Biden is at 48/32/20, Obama is at 54/38/8, and McCain is at 51/45/4.; September 16, 2008 12:33 AM
jean said...: I am sure you have seen this.
Just in case.
It takes a petition to get McCains
medical records?
http://therealmccain.com/doctors/moveon.php; September 16, 2008 12:38 AM
Karen Anne said...: Kujo,

You're assuming McCain would actually reduce earmarks...; September 16, 2008 12:56 AM
Independent Voter said...: LOL Jean - I knew YOU would like that, especially after the rough day you had today ;)

------

Bob,

That is excellent news, however I would have to say take that poll with a grain of salt.....and then cut it in half. The reason I say this is because it comes from the daily kos which is an extremely liberal organization. There is definitely SOME amount of accuracy but I would also wouldn't trust it too much. I don't trust Faux News polls, or those coming out of the extreme liberal wing either.; September 16, 2008 12:59 AM
tmess2 said...: Looks like after being ready in Louisiana, FEMA (or maybe its just Bush protege Governor Perry) has botched it in Houston.

In other bad news, it's sounding like several of the suburbs of Houston are without power. If the news is as bad as it sounds from relatives down there (thankfully on their way elsewhere now), refineries may be down for several weeks. So expect prices at your friendly neighborhood gougers to be up in the morning.; September 16, 2008 12:59 AM
Independent Voter said...: KA, I totally agree. He SAYS he will veto any bill with earmarks, I highly doubt that!; September 16, 2008 1:00 AM
tmess2 said...: Doesn't really matter if McCain would or wouldn't veto appropriations bills over earmarks. Who is going to vote to sustain a veto that will take away millions from their district and shut the government down? More importantly, what representative or senator will willingly give up a 220-year old perk that brings in votes at election time.

My best guess would be that the bill would pass after veto by margins like 350-80 and 80-20; September 16, 2008 1:13 AM
Kujo said...: Jean the Mortage Broker (as we have many Jeans here),

If your still there...

This is something I have found that I would like to share. I have a friend who is a mortage broker, actually gave me my last lone. Since it is a 3 year arm I called him up and said I was looking for refinancing. All he did was run a credit check that day. The very next day I got called from over 30 mortgage brokers. Since I work nights, I was not too pleased. After intense questing on one of them, he reveiled that 2 of the 3 credit unions sell the information when someone has a credit check done with the credit information. These days it is almost impossible for anyone to get a loan (even if they are qualified), since my credit score was through the roof, they all were looking at getting me as a customer.

So be weary when using these credit union. Only Trans Union does not sell the information. (You don't want people competing with your clients I'd expect).; September 16, 2008 1:18 AM
Bob in Vancouver said...: INDEPENDANT VOTER:

Yes I agree with you that information comming from Daily Kos is somewhat biased and suspicious. However, over the last couple of months, the main contributors have been spot on and their articles have been way ahead of the MSM.

I've noticed that the items in Daily Kos that are submitted by legitimate reporters who are freelancing are first picked up by the Huffington Post, then AP and other news media. Last to put it out is ussually CNN.; September 16, 2008 1:47 AM
Bob in Vancouver said...: More slease from the Republicans. Reports are now comming in that residents of Florida have been getting Push Poll calls.

There is little or no difference between Push Polling and lies and smears. So if the Republicans can't get away with lying in the open media, theyre trying it behind the privacy of a telephone call.; September 16, 2008 1:55 AM
Mike in Maryland said...: Dave:

DailyKos is paying for the poll, but the poll itself is being done by Research 2000, which has historically been more of a GOP firm. Also, you need to take into account that the DailyKos polls are VERY similar to the Gallup and Rasmussen results.

The DailyKos polls release ALL the cross tabs so that people can see how they come up with the numbers.

The DailyKos polls might be a very small margin from completely neutral, but in no way as far as some polls I've seen.

For instance, the Chamber of Commerce did a poll of the NJ senator race recently. The first three questions were asked to determine 'likely voters'. The first question asked was if the person had voted in the past - if no, the instructions stated 'politely end the call'. Then the pollster was to ask if they had voted in the last (2006) election. If no, the instructions stated 'politely end the call'. The third question the pollster was to ask was if the person had consistently voted in every election possible in the last 10 years. If no, the instructions stated 'politely end the call'. Also asked was the question of whether the poll respondent knew all the candidates in the Senate race. If no, the instructions stated 'politely end the call'.

Can you guess why the end result was a poll of people who claimed they voted at a 95% rate, and the results were seriously slanted to the GOP candidate?

Be skeptical of DailyKos if you want, but do not dismiss it as out of hand just because it is a poll commissioned by DailyKos. And remember, the Democrats are more apt to be truthful than the Repigs and Repig pollsters.

Mike; September 16, 2008 2:05 AM
Mike in Maryland said...: Right now, CNN has an Internet poll, asking "Do you agree with Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin's decision not to cooperate with a legislative investigation into the firing of her public safety commissioner?"

As of 2:52 am EDT, the results are:
Yes 25% 8946
No 75% 26851
Total Votes: 35797

The only question I have is how long will CNN let this poll remain, as it erodes the MSM meme that 'the race is too close to call'.

Mike; September 16, 2008 2:53 AM
Mike in Maryland said...: Does anyone recall the geographic area that Leah and Aunt Jean live in? If I remember correctly, it is on the North side of Houston, but I can't remember if it was NE, N or NW.

In any event, if anyone does remember, the Houston Chronicle has a feature where people can report in where power is now on. It would appear that they update fairly frequently, but drop off the reports after a fixed period (looks like somewhere between 18 and 24 hours). In the latest reports, electricity is being reported restored in scattered locations in all areas except in an arc from due north through due east of the city.

To get to the interactive map, go to the Chronicle's site (http://www.chron.com), then click the link titled "Where's power on?
Find out, report in" on the right side of the page.

Mike; September 16, 2008 5:41 AM
Karen Anne said...: Kujo,

I think you can ask the credit bureaus not to sell your contact information. I used to get lots of junk mail from banks trying to get me to sign up for their credit cards and other stuff, but it fell to zero after I did that a few years ago.; September 16, 2008 6:59 AM
Karen Anne said...: I went back and looked about where Leah and AJ are:

Leah: I am on the Northwest side of downtown Houston. The Galveston coast is around 65 to 70 miles from my house

AJ: To who ever said that they were thinking about Leah and hurrican Ike we don't live but about 7 or 8 miles from each other. AJ; September 16, 2008 7:08 AM
suzihussein22 said...: karen anne-I've enjoyed stuffing return mail envelopes with slightly heavy junk. They are responsible for the postage. Everybody got the message but Gekko...I mean Geico. ;)

My thinking is kind of that more people might go out and vote if they think the election is close.; September 16, 2008 7:20 AM
apissedant said...: In two days the 3 and 4 point McCain leads fall off the poll of polls and the race becomes a statistical dead heat. The problem with a "bounce" is that it requires temporarily defying gravity through momentum, force, and elastic effects.

Gravity wins in the end. =)

This is the forth time McCain has been able to take a small lead in the polls. He has yet to hold this lead for more than two weeks. This is no different.; September 16, 2008 10:37 AM
Independent Voter said...: Mike, thanks for the info about the DK poll. I don't dismiss it all together, I simply look at it as less valuable. I haven't really researched much about their polls because I have a tendency to not trust partisan organizations.; September 16, 2008 11:11 AM
jean said...: kujo,
That has been going on for years.
Fortunatly all my business is from referrals and my clients stick by me pretty tight.
I am also a Banker not a Broker.
My rates are lower than anyones.
Brokers actually come to us to get loans. I hardly deal with Brokers at all, I like the relationship I have with my clients better.
It is very personal, I know more about my clients than most of their parents:)
jean; September 16, 2008 11:25 AM
Kujo said...: Jean,

Thats good to know that your on to this. Many people in the mortgage industry do not know this. I spoke again with someone in your position at the bank and there response was, is that how they know. Most people understand that they are getting there information somehow, but they are not sure how.; September 16, 2008 11:35 AM
Karen Anne said...: First McCain comes across as not all there, then he says Obama really does want sex ed for kindergarteners:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/09/16/mccain-gets-testy-on-morn_n_126773.html

How pitiful he's become.; September 16, 2008 2:05 PM
Vicki in Seattle said...: where in the heck is Leah? And AJ?

they need to see that McCain's bounce is fading.; September 16, 2008 2:18 PM
Doug said...: Fiddling while Rome burns, Palin was out at a fund-raiser in Ohio...

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/09/16/palin-fundraises-with-ohi_n_126840.html

This would make the basis for a great ad about "out of touch".; September 16, 2008 2:19 PM
jean said...: I am sure that this has been posted but everytime I see this it makes me sick.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/robert-f-kennedy-jr/governor-palins-reading-l_b_126478.html; September 16, 2008 2:42 PM
UUbuntu said...: Here's a blogger's post I found quite entertaining this afternoon (while I was working):

The Democratic Party caused the recession

I don't think (at least I HOPE) he takes himself too seriously, especially in that post. Enjoy.; September 16, 2008 3:14 PM
Beryl said...: I heard something but had not seen this, Jean.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/robert-f-kennedy-jr/governor-palins-reading-l_b_126478.html

It hurts on many levels.

-- cruelty of man's inhumanity to man
-- the pain my parents had after JFK's assassination
-- the pain my parents had after RFK was murdered.
-- the concern that there are many people plotting the same fate for Obama.
-- the pain of a child who lost his father. (My dad died of natural causes 7 years ago and I still have pain.)

Palin is evil incarnate and so is the "new" McCain. I know Obama didn't say it but I will -- Palin is a PIG.

We need a TV commercial with RFK Jr. making statements before after Palin quoting that fascist.; September 16, 2008 3:16 PM
Karen Anne said...: Another zap to Palin for lying -

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/09/15/AR2008091502471.html

"What kind of person tells a self-aggrandizing lie, gets called on it, admits publicly that the truth is not at all what she originally claimed -- and then goes out and starts telling the original lie again without changing a word?"; September 16, 2008 4:37 PM
jean said...: karen anne,
Thank you for the post.
It has been forwarded to more than a few.
jean; September 16, 2008 5:07 PM
Karen Anne said...: Beryl,

I am sorry about your Dad...; September 16, 2008 6:02 PM
Independent Voter said...: Jean, which one of KA's posts are you referring to?

This one? Once again I stand up for pigs (and pitbulls.) These are very intelligent animals, Palin isn't in their league.

Or this one:
Another zap to Palin for lying -

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/09/15/AR2008091502471.html

"What kind of person tells a self-aggrandizing lie, gets called on it, admits publicly that the truth is not at all what she originally claimed -- and then goes out and starts telling the original lie again without changing a word?"

----------

LOL! I'm sure that you were talking about the latter, but I figured I would try to get a laugh out of ya.; September 16, 2008 6:19 PM
jean said...: Indy,
Yes it was the latter but the first was quite true LOL.
How was your day.
jean; September 16, 2008 6:20 PM
jean said...: Ya Know,
If they keep Florina life could be quite good.
BUT someone has to talk to this woman about using mineral based make-up so she doesn't shine up so much for the photos.
Sorry, catty but true.
She got enough money to pay for
it:0
Gotta cath it quick before it changes.
http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/; September 16, 2008 6:30 PM
jean said...: Dang, Sorry about the typos,
eating kettle chips and trying to not get the grease on the laptop.
But boy do they taste good.
jean; September 16, 2008 6:37 PM
Beryl said...: Thanks Karen Anne.

The RFK Jr. comment motivated me to donate again to Moveon.org and request the ad be produced.; September 16, 2008 6:55 PM
Kujo said...: New add for Obama should tear appart on McCains call for a 911 committe to find out what is going on with the economy.

How can McCain understand the economy when he can not figure out email, a blackberry ....

Obama has been speaking about the troubled economy for a long time. McCain has ignored it occured. Experts have given the reasons for a long time. McCain could not undstand what they were saying.

Last thing we need now is a 2 year study on what is going wrong with the economy, we need actions now.

How can McCain talk about tax cuts if he does not know what is going on with the economy.

There is so much wrong with this statement, it needs to be brought forward.; September 16, 2008 7:05 PM
Kujo said...: Has anyone watched McCain give his presentations these days. He is trying to give "town hall" style talks. Town hall is more where people ask you questions and you give answers. But this is not what is happening.

They get people setup like a town hall and then he tries to give a speech. But since it is not setup like a speach is suppose to be given, it looks really bad. He is just reading without teleprompters. He is looking down the whole time. It looks pathetic.

How strong does it come accross when you say. "Our Economy is in a .... ", pause then looking down McCain reads.... "crisis".

He had to read this.

It gets worse when he has to stop to read things like "people need help" ....

Between this and his not understanding the problems with the economy, how to use email .... He looks like just an old gooney that does not belong there.

Palin 15 minutes are up. McCain looking like a gooney, polls have stopped moving in there direction and have started moving back. In a few weeks McCain might be back were he was after the DNC convention looking for another angle to try to change the election from bad economy to ?; September 16, 2008 7:14 PM
Kujo said...: The Repubs and Palin think fighting this Trooper gate will be helpfull for them.

I think it will backfire.

They could of easily stalled the investigation without looking like they were involved so the results would not have come out till after the election. Even if the results came out before, it would only of given recommendations. At this time she could gotten by then saying the investigor was bias and when the true evidence will come out, the nation will see she did something wrong.

Now it appears like the exact thing that McCain is saying he is against and saying he will change when he gets to Washington. The McCain/Palin camp is shown to be strongly trying to stop justice, just like Bush did with his aids. More corruption, More of the same.

How long till Bush pardens her for any crimes she may have committed? Its the Republican way!; September 16, 2008 7:18 PM
jean said...: This comment has been removed by the author.; September 16, 2008 7:20 PM
Kujo said...: Jean,

Yes Marketing....

I hear someone in a town hall at the end of last week telling Obama you need to come out and attack. Obama said we are now. If they say this we say that ....

But the problem is 99% of the things you say on the stump is not reported in the News circles at night.

You need a strong consistant theme that is properly marketed that will resinate with the voters.

It needs to be balanced to show how he knows what is going on with the economy and show how McCain does not.

(This is what they are starting to do, but it needs to be more blitz. There is definately enough information out there to use against McCain and for Him)

Notice how McCain camp is trying to move the news to Palin's investigation and off of the Economy.; September 16, 2008 7:37 PM
Independent Voter said...: Jean, if he's been here "FOREVER" wouldn't that make him "god"? Or are you just saying he was created/invented before DIRT? :); September 16, 2008 7:52 PM
jean said...: Indy,
DIRT and you know I meant that.
DIRT does not change.
Are you just full of it today or what:)
Kujo,
That is where I think Action to make Change is important to add and emphasize urgency that I do not think is happening.
I deleted the comment because yes it is brain storming and I am not satisfied with the results.
jean; September 16, 2008 8:15 PM
suzihussein22 said...: kujo-Is this what you're referring to-

http://www.newsweek.com/id/159260

It's definitely coming from McCain's corner in AZ and TX.; September 16, 2008 8:27 PM
suzihussein22 said...: There were a couple of clips from ABC's GMA where they interviewed HRC. They were good. She has a very smart stragegy...completely dismiss Palin from discussion,freeze current interest rates on mortgages, and put a moratorium on foreclosures.

If there are any informed Republicans reading this, can you defend the platform about not regulating industries, including banks and lending companies? I'm not trying to invite trolls. I'd really like to see a valid justification for what's happening to our economy and our middle class.; September 16, 2008 8:36 PM
suzihussein22 said...: ROFL HA HA HA HA HA HA

What the heck?!-

http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/09/16/mccain.blackberry/index.html

Am I supposed to take that seriously? What does that have to do with the price of gas, McCain?; September 16, 2008 8:44 PM
Kujo said...: suzihussein22,

Yep that is it.

Trooper gate is really a McCain/Palin vs the Public issue, Obama camp should openely stay away. Keep on the economy.

The forces that be will not let that one from disappearing.; September 16, 2008 8:46 PM
Beryl said...: Suzi,
I am not a Republican but have a Repug family and was an Independent until 2007.

Minimal regulation is desired to minimize the interference of government which may inhibit business growth.

The focus of Republicans is not securing the well-being of the middle class. It is about amassing wealth for corporations which will result in the trickling down of financial benefits. It supports small businesses to the extent that those business can grow and be absorbed by larger corporations. It ensures that there is a steady stream of workers only as necessary for operations. Finally, it requires consumers so the price points of goods and services must be carefully set.

The optimal success model eliminates the middle class completely.

Have you ever played monopoly? An even better game is Billionaire.
http://www.gameonsoftware.com/; September 16, 2008 8:51 PM
suzihussein22 said...: Beryl-Thank you. Something you said stood out. I hope I'm not taking this out of context-a minimal of regulation without intereference of government. That's a paraphrase. It's interesting how much they want to "protect" our society while not interfering with "stuff" like war and the eventual progress of the working class due to trickling down of profits that CEOs miss in their yearly bonuses. Does that sound too harsh?

Wow, like this will really change my mind about Palin-

she's really chill. She's really nice, really friendly. She's really up on pop culture

That's pretty much what Meghan McCain had to say about Palin.; September 16, 2008 9:03 PM
jean said...: hey suzi,
Just wanted to say Hi.
I now get to go to open house at the High School.
I guarentee you are having more fun than I will be having;0

jean; September 16, 2008 9:06 PM
Vicki in Seattle said...: I AM MORE PREPARED TO BE VP:

I have been to the following foreign countries:

- Canada
- Mexico
- New Zealand
- Fiji
- French Polynesia
- The Netherlands
- Belgium
- Germany
- Switzerland
- Italy
- Portugal
- England
- Greece
- South Korea
- Hong Kong (before it was Chinese)
- Thailand
- India
- Nepal

Further, I am generally smarter: I have two Bachelor's (one in science, one in engineering) and a Doctorate (medicine).

I can add, subtract, multiple, *and* divide. plus can discuss statistics and linear algebra and cardiac risk of post-menopausal women.

Took PolySci class from "pinko Penny" at an undisclosed undergrad institution. am happy to discuss European models of health care.

Have seen Japan from the air.

Knows a smattering of Spanish, German, Russian, and Nepali.

and, I live within the reported range of N Korean long-range missles.

have touched Howard Dean. Also been within 3 feet of Caroline Kennedy.

BITE ME!!; September 16, 2008 9:50 PM
Vicki in Seattle said...: also, I've been to Alaska on business: I understand you can see Russia from there.; September 16, 2008 10:00 PM
Vicki in Seattle said...: AND I can be "press ready" in less than a week.; September 16, 2008 10:08 PM
suzihussein22 said...: Hey jean. I am now. I was in a 2 hr. meeting this afternoon as an example of how management should be. Thursday night my daughter will be playing clarinet for the first time. That should be a lot more fun.; September 16, 2008 10:17 PM
suzihussein22 said...: vicki-Even before you posted you'd been to AK, you got my vote. After that was just bragging. ;) You're overqualified and may try to have a family life/work balance. I'll have to keep my options open. ;); September 16, 2008 10:28 PM
suzihussein22 said...: vicki said...BITE ME!

Where?

http://community.webshots.com/photo/fullsize/2447757970027398055jMnMby

What would your transcript be about earmarks? Saying you fold over pages when you can't find a bookmark won't cut it.; September 16, 2008 10:32 PM
Vicki in Seattle said...: yer a harsh judge, suzihussein.

:-); September 16, 2008 10:34 PM
Vicki in Seattle said...: photo was ADORABLE! hahhaha!

earmarks? earmarks? we don't need no steenkin' earmarks!

all I need is my trank gun and 100 rounds for the Senate (plus one if there's a tie). More for the House.; September 16, 2008 10:36 PM
suzihussein22 said...: Yes! I love it!-

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080917/ap_on_el_pr/obama_womens_groups;_ylt=AirvCP7cVqobP2mxv1c5uuxh24cA

I wasn't impressed when Oprah Winfrey endorsed Obama, but the timing on this is great!; September 16, 2008 10:39 PM
Karen Anne said...: I am also more prepared to be VP than Palin:

I have been to the following foreign countries:

- Canada
- Mexico
- England
-Denmark
-Algeria
-France
-Hawaii (oh, wait...)

Further, I am generally smarter: I have a Bachelors and a Masters from MIT, and a continuing studies certificate from Stanford.

I can do algebra and geometry. Plus, I can discuss the solar system and early U.S. history. I once took an Economics course, so have no fear for the economy.

Have had a passport for over twenty years.

Know a smattering of Spanish, German, and Arabic.

I live within the reported range of Russian submarines.

Have seen President Kennedy from a couple of hundred feet away at an airport, and once exchanged a few words with Dag Hammarskjöld.

BITE ME!!; September 16, 2008 10:40 PM
suzihussein22 said...: vicki-Haven't you heard? I'm a softie. :); September 16, 2008 10:40 PM
suzihussein22 said...: karen anne-Cool!I know a smattering of Latin, German, and Spanish. My business experience has been earned on the job, starting at Opryland. I've taken care of 4 kids myself and have been a basketball mom. My family helped settle TN. My great great great grandfather got to touch Boone's hand. ;); September 16, 2008 10:45 PM
Vicki in Seattle said...: suzi, that yahoo page doesn't connect ...; September 16, 2008 10:46 PM
Karen Anne said...: Darn, I forgot that I took Latin in High School. And I remember at least five words.; September 16, 2008 10:47 PM
Vicki in Seattle said...: ooooo the season premier of House MD is in 15 minutes ... gotta go shower and jammie! the free world will have to wait for my talents.; September 16, 2008 10:48 PM
suzihussein22 said...: karen anne-Latina hic dicitur. ;)

vicki-Que hora es? It's time for the boob tube! Enjoy! My sister-in-law, a nurse, likes Scrubs.; September 16, 2008 10:59 PM
UUbuntu said...: Hey, my daughter had more travelling experience by her 14th birthday than Palin!

USA (birth)
Canada (several times, first at 8)
Netherlands (age 10)
South Africa (10)
Belgium (10)* just a daytrip
Iceland (13)
France (13)
Monaco (13)* also just a daytrip

And she's had a passport for longer!

But at a certain point, she'll be "too cosmopolitan" for the Presidency -- says the former Mayor of New York!

Too much travel makes you unamerican!; September 16, 2008 11:02 PM
Beryl said...: Clearly everyone one of the women on this blog is more qualified to be VP than Sarah Palin.

But then, many of the women on my block are more qualified than Sarah Palin. I'd wager that most of the women in the nearby Whole Foods are more qualified.

Selecting Sarah Palin was a slap in the face of women in the USA.; September 16, 2008 11:02 PM
UUbuntu said...: Hey, my daughter had more traveling experience by her 14th birthday than Palin!

USA (birth)
Canada (several times, first at 8)
Netherlands (age 10)
South Africa (10)
Belgium (10)* just a daytrip
Iceland (13)
France (13)
Monaco (13)* also just a daytrip

And she's had a passport for longer!

But at a certain point, she'll be "too cosmopolitan" for the Presidency -- says the former Mayor of New York!

Too much travel makes you unamerican!; September 16, 2008 11:03 PM
UUbuntu said...: Before we get too confident that this election trend is moving toward the Democrats, be aware of this:

1. As of now, fivethirtyeight.com still predicts a McCain win with 55% confidence -- a 55% chance that McCain will win and a 45% chance that Obama will win.

2. The Intrade futures market -- where people gamble on political (and cultural) outcomes, has it as a 50-50 chance (Actually, it's McCain 51%, Obama 49%). We should note that the changes in the past week have not changed the odds at all.

So while I'm optimistic -- part of me believes that, due to economic conditions and a major GOTV movement by the Obama campaign, Obama will win this election by 3-6 points, I am not in the least bit willing to fool myself into believing that we will know the winner before 12:01 AM on Wednesday, November 5.

And if Obama's GOTV effort is effectively neutralized by the Repugnicans "SUTV" (Suppress The Vote) effort, then all bets are off as to the outcome.

Like the past two elections, this one will be really close.; September 16, 2008 11:04 PM
Vicki in Seattle said...: I got some more voter registration forms over the weekend, I've been asking people and handing them out. and showing them how to fill them out, too.; September 16, 2008 11:07 PM
UUbuntu said...: Have any of you visited Michelle Obama's blog? She wrote a nice piece on equal pay yesterday that's well worth reading. Barack Obama has an ad that aired in Virginia today on that subject too.; September 16, 2008 11:11 PM
suzihussein22 said...: tyler-Never fear. I've only stepped foot, literally, over the border once in my life. I didn't need a passport then. I need to get around to it soon. That makes me sound like a member of the charter group that's planning on organizing P(rocastinator's)A(nonymous), eh?

Not to fly in the face of feminists, but my "sweetie" is wanting some of my attention. He's been very patient about my blogging time.; September 16, 2008 11:30 PM
tmess2 said...: I wouldn't put too much weight on political futures markets. They merely distill the conventional wisdom of the latest trends with about a 48 hour to 72 hour delay on incorporating them.

In plain English, the current projections from all of our favorite sites are based on polls taken last Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday (the bad days) and the futures markets are saying that if those polls continue with the trend away from Obama (which they have not) then McCain will win a close election, maybe.; September 16, 2008 11:50 PM
Kujo said...: Tyler,

I don't think there is any overconfidence displayed here. I think it is more releaf that step one has been occomplished. This is putting a stop on the recent trend to McCain due to Palin and doing it before McCain created a big lead (would say its about tie now.)

The Next step now is to come up with an issue that could possible ride to take a lead.

I really don't think McCain will have much issues that he can create a run back in his direction. Thanks to Hillery, many of the issues, like his church, has brought up already.

McCain should have trouble using the war too. Like the economy, if the War jumps up again it would show that his plan did not work. If it stays the same, he can try to take the credit, but it is over. The issues are the economy where McCain will have difficulty getting traction.; September 17, 2008 12:07 AM
Bob in Vancouver said...: Observations from a distant observer:

Have you noticed that McCain follows the same pattern on virtually every issue. Paraphrasing:

I will get Osama Binladen.
I know how to do it.
I know where he's hiding.

I will change Washington
I will stop the pork barrle.
I will veto every earmark.
I know how to do it.

I will change wallstreet
I will sort out the economy.
I know how to fix it.

And my second observation, was actually just picked up by the Huffington Post. Wasn't it McCain the one who was proposing to privitize Social Security.

Can you immagine what kind of a pickle old age pentioners would be in today, if McCain had privatized SS without proper regulation.

And my last observation; from last night I circulated informatio that Palin's favourability rating had eroded very quickly. This has now been varified in other surveys and infact in one survey she is the least liked of all four candidates.; September 17, 2008 12:45 AM
Bob in Vancouver said...: Here is what I had posted last night in case someone missed it. Sarah Palin's daily approval numbers from the Daily Kos/Research 2000 tracking poll:

Approve Disapprove No Opinion
9/11: 52 35 13 +17
9/12: 51 37 12 +14
9/13: 49 40 11 +9
9/14: 47 42 11 +5
9/15: 47 43 10 +4

In the span of five days, Palin has gone from +17 to +4 -- a statistically significant shift. This includes the Gibson interview as well as the media's sudden focus late last week on the Palin/McCain lies. In comparison, Biden is at 48/32/20, Obama is at 54/38/8, and McCain is at 51/45/4.

I am so glad that bloggers got on her case right away, first with the pregnant daughter, then the troopergate, then bridge to nowhere, etc. etc. etc. She could have been the game changer for sure had her credibility not been exposed.; September 17, 2008 12:51 AM
Mike in Maryland said...: Keith noted tonight that Palin's numbers have dropped 10 since Saturday. Not sure which poll he was using, but that number tracks the Research 2000 numbers. Might be someone didn't trust the Friday numbers, or else Keith would probably have stated 13 points in five days.

On second thought, he's also knowledgeable about sports in general, baseball in particular, and baseball is notorious for being superstitious, and especially for having triskaidekaphobia (an irrational fear of the number 13).

Mike; September 17, 2008 2:31 AM
Ruby in Kansas said...: Couldn't sleep. Here's a link to Jon Stewart's "Sarah Palin interview". Nobody can do it like Jon.
http://blog.indecision2008.com/2008/09/16/jon-stewart-on-the-sarah-palin-interview/; September 17, 2008 3:28 AM
Karen Anne said...: Maureen Dowd:

R. D. Levno, a retired school principal, flew in from Fairbanks. “She’s a child, inexperienced and simplistic,” she said of Sarah. “It’s taking us back to junior high school. She’s one of the popular girls, but one of the mean girls."; September 17, 2008 7:47 AM
Vicki in Seattle said...: http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2008/09/17/1409425.aspx

the Palin bounce is fading fast, per this article.

:-)

she is a shiny toy that is rapidly being forgotten.; September 17, 2008 10:07 AM
jean said...: So now if you work for Palin you can do whatever you want.
Who cares about subpoenas.
http://www.realclearpolitics.com/news/ap/politics/2008/Sep/17/alaska_ag__state_employees_won_t_honor_subpoenas.html; September 17, 2008 10:34 AM
jean said...: This comment has been removed by the author.; September 17, 2008 10:36 AM
jean said...: HRC is such a class act and smart too.
http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2008/09/17/clinton-cancels-appearance-over-palin/
The repugs are going to get smashed bit by bit.
jean; September 17, 2008 11:06 AM
Doug said...: A Jon Stewart line from last night, talking about MconomyIsSound's redefinition of "fundamental":

"Apparently John McCain is the only POW brainwashed after he was released from captivity."

I would provide the link but us folks in Canada can't access the Daily Show except through a 'comedy central' link... perhaps someone else will post it?

Cheers; September 17, 2008 1:03 PM
jean said...: This comment has been removed by the author.; September 17, 2008 1:44 PM
jean said...: http://www.realclearpolitics.com/
articles/2008/09/what_states_are_really_in_
play.html; September 17, 2008 1:47 PM
Leah Texas4Obama said...: Hello everyone :)

Electric here has been out at my house since Saturday 2 a.m. I am using a generator as of 30 minutes ago from the guy across the street. The houses on the other side of the street now have electricity as of last night. My landline phone is working so I am able to use the internet at the moment but we will be turning off the generator in a few minutes because gasoline is in very short supply in order to keep it running.

This will be my one and only comment until my house electricity comes on.

I have a tree on my roof but it looks like it didn't make a hole in the roof but we still can't tell for sure unto the tree is moved. We can't have the tree moved because the electrical line is under the tree so we have to wait for the electric company tree guys to remove the tree.

It was terribly hot the first two nights and then the cold front come in and now it is much better weather for sleeping.

We couldn't use tap water for several days but now they say that the water is safe. Still have plenty of bottled water and food here. I've been making ice in the freezers across the street in tupperware bowls.

All in all we are lucky here compared to other folks.

Please don't response to this comment because I won't be here to read it... I'll talk with ya'll at a later time when I have electricity and will be able to stay on line longer.

I hope Aunt Jean and all the other folks that weathered this hurricane are doing well.

Ciao ciao,
Leah; September 17, 2008 1:49 PM
Doug said...: Hey Jean, read the article.

It looks like the debates (and the post debate spin) are going to much more important than usual this time around.; September 17, 2008 1:55 PM
jean said...: WAY COOL LEAH IS GOOD:)
Hey Doug,
I agree. I am having problems with getting the web sites that I posted.
Keeps saying can't find URL.
Do you have any problems?
jean; September 17, 2008 2:19 PM
Doug said...: Jean, I think it must be heavy traffic at some web sites. I have had a couple of "time outs/page not found" but when I reload, it is there.

Better day today? :); September 17, 2008 2:24 PM
jean said...: doug,
Thanks for asking and yes I am.

It is very nice to hear from leah,
she is in Houston and let us say has had a rough time.

It looks like the polls are climbing bit by bit and just looking for some momentum:)
The debates will be the key.
Can't wait, talk about popcorn night LOL.
jean; September 17, 2008 2:35 PM
Doug said...: About momentum, this article makes a case that Obama is not effectively getting the message out:

http://www.realclearpolitics.com/articles/2008/09/obama_needs_clear_message_on_e.html

There is something to this I think in that Obama needs a catchphrase on the economy that he can fit into a 15 second sound bite--something that really resonates. MeconomyIsSound's "I know what is wrong and I can fix it" is lame, but sounds reassuring to people who are looking for reassurance.

The connection needs to happen at a gut level, something like, "I have a New Deal for America that puts you first".

Thoughts?; September 17, 2008 2:46 PM
jean said...: doug,
Oh YAAAAAAAA.
We are ready for Change and this is The New Deal.
That is good. Nice zing and Obama can go for the bang.
He can be VERY specific and lay it out. That is a large complaint that he is not specific enough.
It needs to be A B C.
The signs in the audience will have SPECIFIC things that are outlined.
Not just the Change signs, that is not original now with McCain saying the word change all the time.
I really like it.
jean; September 17, 2008 2:59 PM
jean said...: doug,
With the comparisons to the Depression of which, we are not far off because things are going to get bad.
Can you send this to the Obama campaign?
jean; September 17, 2008 3:03 PM
jean said...: doug,
The biggest problem that Obama has is the blue collar worker.
This could be a fantastic bridge.
Obama has one of the best marketing force on the planet.
Ya gotta send this somewhere.
jean
I will now stop talking so much.; September 17, 2008 3:06 PM
Karen Anne said...: LEAH! LEAH! LEAH!

Now, where's Aunt Jean.; September 17, 2008 3:18 PM
Doug said...: Hey Jean, glad that got you going! As someone who can't vote in the election, I am not sure I am the right person to give advice to Obama's campaign.

I am sure that there are people there thinking about it, and I am not sure why the campaign is reluctant to connect Obama to FDR. But MconomyIsSound has set this up so beautifully by echoing Hoover...

A "new deal for America" would tie up everything Obama wants to do in terms of health care, equal pay, etc.

FWIW; September 17, 2008 3:20 PM
Doug said...: Just another thought... asking people to vote against McCain is not the same as asking people to vote for you. I am watching the news right now and Obama's latest speech is full of pithy one-liners that mock McCain, and that is okay (and fun) but it won't build the momentum he needs.

Tie up the platform in a catchphrase that connects to people at an emotional level--give hope and change a name that is identified with the Dem brand and connects with the public. I can't think of anything better than "A New Deal for America".; September 17, 2008 3:28 PM
Beryl said...: "...I am not sure why the campaign is reluctant to connect Obama to FDR. But MconomyIsSound has set this up so beautifully by echoing Hoover..."

I mentioned in an earlier thread that a senior (at least 70) lady at a Ed Shultz event compared Obama with FDR. I didn't fully understand the comparison at the time but I respected her assessment given that she was around during his time.

This week's comments made it much clearer for me. Our economy is tanking and it will take modern "New Deal" to turn things around. The Republicans who caused the problem can't be trusted to fix it.; September 17, 2008 3:31 PM
Doug said...: And Beryl, FDR is held in such high esteem that the Republicans invoke his name. I think there is a real hunger for that "meme" of what FDR represents, and tapping into that explicitly would give the Dems a winning track.; September 17, 2008 3:34 PM
Doug said...: And now I am watching a former prominent Hillary supporter (Rothschild) coming out for McSame! This is not good news, and you can see the ads that will come out from this.; September 17, 2008 3:41 PM
jean said...: beryl,
Talk to people and find the connections to pass this on.
One can never assume that it is already thought of.
I am surrounded by republicans with very few allies.
The extra step usually is not taken.
There ya go that is why we support Obama.
jean; September 17, 2008 3:58 PM
jean said...: doug,
You are so on the grid.
It also ties in older voters and yes I could go on and on.
The negating the other canidate will not work but yes, it is fun.
jean; September 17, 2008 4:00 PM
jean said...: karen anne,
I was going for a moment of really happy and yes, I have been thinking of Aunt Jean quite a bit.
With twice as much concentration on her well being, since leah is good, now hopefully she will be heard from soon:)
jean; September 17, 2008 4:09 PM
jean said...: doug,
The DOW is down 450pts today.
The New Deal sounds better and better.
jean; September 17, 2008 4:18 PM
Doug said...: Some good polling out today:

http://www.realclearpolitics.com/epolls/2008/latestpolls/index.html

CNN/Time has Florida tied and Obama-Biden up by 2 in Ohio. The "Palin bounce" is now the "Failin' bounce".; September 17, 2008 4:26 PM
tmess2 said...: When La Famille Rothschild accuses someone of being elitist, you have to deconstruct the context first.

For La Famille:

Those who snack on champagne and caviar are just plain folks who happen to have inherited a lot of money. After all, everyone lives like the folks on "Gossip Girl."

Those who have pulled themselves up by the bootstraps and have just a touch of pride in their accomplishments are pretentious elitists who don't know their place.; September 17, 2008 5:27 PM
tmess2 said...: p.s. I hope McCain is dumb enough to run ads featuring Rothschild, it will open the door to a lot of counter ads about who the real elitists are.; September 17, 2008 5:28 PM
Karen Anne said...: I can't imagine why anyone would care what one Hillary supporter who seems to be without any redeeming values as a human being thinks.

Of course, in a rational world, we could rotflmao at Lady de Rothschild supporting the non-elitist McCain.

I give this the nanosecond of thought it deserves.; September 17, 2008 5:36 PM
Karen Anne said...: I lifted this off The Caucus, it was too good to pass up, the commenters are having a lot of fun with this news item:

Of course this whole story is hysterically funny & meaningless; here’s a great take on the Baronness (from David Rees):

News Alert! Some fancy lady named Lady Lynn Forester de Rothschild has decided that Barack Obama is an “elitist” and therefore she’s going to endorse John McCain.

Is this the greatest news factoid of all time?

Answer: YES.

It turns out ol’ Lady Lynn Forester der von Rothschild — who “splits her time time between London and New York” — was a major fundraiser for Hillary Clinton. (For some reason, I suddenly feel overwhelming sympathy for Sen. Clinton.)

After Obama beat Clinton in the Democratic primary, Lady de Rothschild was probably like, “Boo-hoo, my candidate lost, waah waah, nothing ever goes my way! Jeeves, please lower me into my diamond bathtub — which is filled with real diamonds — and shampoo my hair with the triple-distilled tears of orphans. Also, I command you to perform a champagne enema on one of my fine Arabian stallions while I liveblog it on my solid gold typepad account. C’est tres magnificique! (sp?)”

In a display of the trenchant policy analysis that has made her famous, Madame Lady Lynn Forest Whittaker de Rothschild von Pooter explained her McCain endorsement by saying of Obama:

“Frankly, I don’t like him.”

(As an Obama supporter, I would humbly request that Ladyboo Lynn de Forester von Chili Con Carne travel around the country, greeting voters and announcing that she doesn’t like Barack Obama. Please don’t forget to wear one of those floofy, flouncey scarves that you can buy at the MoMA store, and also please don’t forget to sneer at everyone. May I also request that you wear all your jewels at once?)

I’m sure Obama will lose a lot of sleep over this. I know he was craving the endorsement. After all, we’re talking about Lassie Lynn de von Forester d’el der McRothschild von de Beers VIII, the type of lady every American can relate to and wants to be friends with and definitely doesn’t laugh at as soon as she turns her back (to check on her portfolio of private planets she owns).

Maybe now she and Cindy McCain can go shopping together and buy jewels at Cartier and be all like, “Ooh girl, that gem looks so good on your earlobe!” or whatever it is stupid rich old ladies do all day.
— J from GA; September 17, 2008 5:51 PM
jean said...: karen anne,
My favorite part was "tripled distilled tears from orphans".
jean; September 17, 2008 6:06 PM
apissedant said...: LEAH! Welcome back. Glad you're ok.

I don't have time to read all the posts now... hopefully this weekend maybe. I just wanted to say welcome back since I saw a post from Leah, and also to post this article. I haven't finished reading it yet, but so far I love it.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/09/16/AR2008091602874.html?hpid=opinionsbox1; September 17, 2008 6:19 PM
Doug said...: OK I have revealed myself to be totally ignorant of who "Lady Rothschild" is... didn't come across in the first news I heard at MSNBC! It will be fun to see what Jon Stewart does with this tonight!; September 17, 2008 6:25 PM
Independent Voter said...: OBAMA/BIDEN 2008
OBAMA/BIDEN 2008
OBAMA/BIDEN 2008
OBAMA/BIDEN 2008; September 17, 2008 6:56 PM
Vicki in Seattle said...: Real Clear Politics is at a perfect tie right now. Zero percent difference. McCain's "big lead" is gone!

(of course, if you take out the polls from last week, Obama is ahead)

:-); September 17, 2008 7:10 PM
Independent Voter said...: LOL! Biden went after McCain and ONE person in the audience:

“Look, if John cares so much about this now, where was he a week ago?” Biden asked. “Where was he a month ago? Where was he 5 years ago? I’ll tell you where he was, he was bragging to the folks on Wall Street, to the executives who now he calls ‘greedy.’ He was bragging to them how we’re going to shred the regulation that fetters them, that ties them down.”

“So let’s take a look at John’s conversion here,” Biden later added, “Something happened on the road to Damascus, John fell off his horse but he got back up on the same horse.”

He went on to draw parallels with McCain’s health care plan, saying that there too McCain favors de-regulation that wouldn’t allow states to protect its residents from insurance companies.

“So John, you got back on the same horse, you continue to push a plan that’s designed to de-regulate the health insurance industry,” said Biden, asking the crowd to raise their hands if they trust insurance companies to take care of their needs.

“I got one person [who] raised their hand. I got also a bridge I got to sell you and guess what? It’s in Alaska and it goes to nowhere,” he said, echoing a line Obama has been using on the stump as well.

Excerpted from: CNN's Political Ticker; September 17, 2008 7:20 PM
Independent Voter said...: Vicki,

I saw that too. And here last week Bob was getting worried. Just remember what I have been saying since the Republican convention.... it is ALL about "peaking" at the right time. McCain "peaked" too early.

If we think about what happened in 2004, the Democratic convention was held at the end of July and the Republican convention was August. Both shrub and Kerry opted into public financing. What this meant was that Kerry had one full month of spending from that public financing before shrub even had to dip into his funding. Therefore Kerry was unable to answer to many of the charges the shrub and his campaign put out against him (and I do consider the swiftboaters as part of the shrub campaign.)

So moving upward at this point for Obama, and his NOT being bound to public financing is definitely a good thing.

I'm not saying that I really like seeing the market crashing, but it does help out our candidate a bit.

Oh and by the way, YES I too am glad that Leah checked in.....as many of you, I too am waiting for AJ to check in.

Speaking of AJ, I haven't seen Aunt Judy or Mike in Ga check in for a while....I hope all is ok.; September 17, 2008 7:45 PM
Vicki in Seattle said...: plus, I'm willing to bet that if he made $66 million in August (pre-Repub convention), that he will make even MORE in Sept. I just checked - I made one donation during the Democratic Convention, and another donation the following week. I'm willing to bet that a lot of people did that.

hey, is McCain now bound to 84 million total between now and Nov 4? or is that just the matching funds?; September 17, 2008 7:58 PM
Vicki in Seattle said...: I too am really glad that Leah checked in - I figured that she'd lost power. happens here too, we lose power for a day or two. Sometimes even longer!; September 17, 2008 7:59 PM
Independent Voter said...: This comment has been removed by the author.; September 17, 2008 8:38 PM
Independent Voter said...: Vicki,

If I understand the law correctly he is bound to the limit of spending only $84 million.

http://www.fec.gov/pages/brochures/pubfund_limits_2008.shtml; September 17, 2008 8:39 PM
Beryl said...: Today Obama had one of the best lines of the campaign:

"The old boy's network. In the McCain campaign, that's called a staff meeting."

LOL!; September 17, 2008 8:40 PM
suzihussein22 said...: http://blogs.abcnews.com/politicalradar/2008/09/no-joint-clinto.html

I think HRC did the right thing. It was an event that was going to be politicized and she saw that and Palin doesn't deserve to be with her.

leah-Bless you for connecting with us and know we are concerned for you.

I do not feel like even listening to anybody around here any more after reading about McCain's cencorship and suppression of Palin info this morning. The Untied States of America made be a loosely held together federation, but it will continue to be a democracy as long as I have anything to say about it or they can lock me up and torture me for 5 yrs. if they think that's necessary.

aunt jean-I hope everything is recovering okay for you.

Good idea about the New Deal for the 21st century.

McCain/Palin=War

McCain/Palin=Drill Baby Drill

McCain/Palin=Suppression

McCain/Palin is starting to sound like a dictatorship.; September 17, 2008 8:41 PM
Independent Voter said...: Here is the exact wording from the FEC:

Contributions to Major Party Nominees in the General Election

A major party nominee who has accepted public funding for the general election may not accept any contributions to further his election. You may, however, help a publicly funded nominee by contributing to the candidate's compliance fund. A compliance fund is a special account maintained by publicly funded nominees solely for paying legal and accounting expenses incurred in complying with the campaign finance law. You may contribute up to $2,300 to the compliance fund of a major party nominee.

In the case of a major party nominee who is not publicly funded, you may contribute up to $2,300 to his/her general election campaign.; September 17, 2008 8:42 PM
Independent Voter said...: Beryl, I loved that too, VERY well delivered too.

Suzi, I agree that she did the right thing. Had she gone it would have shown Palin legitimacy and would have turned into a partisan event which is something that event should not be a part of. That is the ONLY reason they invited Palin. If they wanted to invite another surrogate, fine, but NOT the VP candidate.

-------

On a brighter note, Palin's "PERSONAL" government e-mail was hacked :) Unfortunately the website that had ALL the screengrabs has been taken offline :(; September 17, 2008 8:47 PM
Independent Voter said...: The reason I put personal in quotes is because it is illegal for a government employee to use a personal e-mail account to conduct government business.; September 17, 2008 8:48 PM
Independent Voter said...: How RUDE! The screen grabs that I was talking about has ALREADY been taken OUT of the web archives as well.; September 17, 2008 8:51 PM
Beryl said...: Dave,
You are right. Most businesses consider the proper use of business correspondence a COE (condition of employment). At my company, we don't allow

1. use of personal email addresses for business correspondence
2. use of business email for personal correspondence

#2 is not as strictly enforced though.; September 17, 2008 8:52 PM
Vicki in Seattle said...: then he better look out! I bet Obama raises 84 million just in September.; September 17, 2008 8:52 PM
tmess2 said...: Key thing to remember is that while the Republicans can't contribute directly to McCain, they can contribute to the RNC.

McCain's bet on public financing is that a good chunk of Republicans were more likely to contribute to the RNC than to contribute to him (and that he can get a good chunk of those who were willing to contribute to him to contribute to the RNC).

One of the reasons for Obama going on donations was the belief that he would get more donations than would the DNC and that with so many first time donors that not enough of them would see a contribution to the DNC as a contribution to Obama.; September 17, 2008 9:00 PM
Independent Voter said...: Beryl,

I agree, however an employer is a private entity and is easier to enforce by firing the employee who abuses the system. Government employees however are bound by the law. Therefore, she has broken the law before she even really had a chance to get her "real" political career up and running. Of course we have come to expect this from the Republican Party especially since their "leaders" Bush/Cheney/Rove have been doing it for years. However it is nonetheless illegal and should be treated as such.

-----

Vicki, I hope you are right. After all he did raise $10 million within 24 hours of Ms. Moosehunter's nasty shrill blathering at the convention.; September 17, 2008 9:04 PM
Vicki in Seattle said...: perhaps it might now be a bad idea to fire off a check to the DNC, as well.; September 17, 2008 9:20 PM
Independent Voter said...: Good assessment there tmess.; September 17, 2008 9:38 PM
jean said...: I just got back from the grocery store. Do you buy six gallons of milk a week? Is there a reason the checkers know my name and laugh?

Anyway, the front of the Enquirer,
no I did not buy it. Is all about Palin, She kicked her daughter out of the house when she found out she was pregnant, the son had a major drug problem and that is why he is in the military, and of course the trooper gate.

There has to be more on this that I can completely enjoy.
Yes, it is true, I think Palin totally sucks.
jean; September 17, 2008 9:57 PM
jean said...: Just some news.
Palin answered questions but did not say anything, surprise.
McCain was watching her like a hawk.
http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/09/17/campaign.wrap/index.html; September 17, 2008 10:13 PM
suzihussein22 said...: iv dave-Normally, I wouldn't call someone names, but Palin was shrill, mocking, and blathering. :D

Poor old McCain(OXYMORONS). He tries to make a big deal about limiting himself to public contribution of $84 mil. NOT! That's why I just donated again and got hold of a democratic group and wrote a letter to the editors of TN and national papers through Obama's link. God bless him, his campaign, and America.

OBAMA/BIDEN 08; September 17, 2008 10:17 PM
Mike in Maryland said...: Jean,

I Googled 'Enquirer Palin' and the first hit was from the National Enquirer, a September 3 article filed under 'Celebrity News' (since when did McCain want a celebrity close to his campaign????). The article was about plans Palin had for Bristol to get married right after the Republican Convention, then an announcement of her pregnancy. The two had an argument, then the story gets even better!

http://www.nationalenquirer.com/celebrity/65370

I had to go through several more hits to get one on Track's addiction problem. According to an article on to website Newser reporting on a National Enquirer report, Track was addicted to "the painkiller OxyContin and binged on cocaine before joining the army last year".

http://www.newser.com/story/37088/enquirer-palins-son-addicted-to-painkillers.html

Both reports show some REAL family values, don't they?

/sarcasm

Mike; September 17, 2008 10:18 PM
jean said...: mike in maryland,
Thank you.
Today will end in a happy note.

Being a parent of two teenagers and Palin does have some money;
the pathes of these kids makes no sense to me.
It is great the son went into the military but why not go to school and be an officer.
His mom is the governor.
Nothing lines up.
I just hope the Enquiror keeps on going.
jean; September 17, 2008 10:24 PM
suzihussein22 said...: jean-Didn't you mean 6 gal. a day? ;) Thank goodness cashiers know you. I had one time I've forgotten the means to pay for my groceries, but the owner knows me and knows I'm good for it. That doesn't seem to happen as often these days.

iv dave-I'll make sure my daughter knows you're not comparing horses to McCain. ;)

I'm sorry if I seem off tonight. I had to nurse my Jeep home this afternoon with no steering half the time...water pump and serpentine belt. Why the heck does one belt connect everything now? I'd like to give some engineers a piece of my min .; September 17, 2008 10:25 PM
suzihussein22 said...: m in md and jean-Dang. The truth is stranger than fiction. It keeps making think of achman's razor, which I did hear about from a movie. All things being equal, the simplest explanation is usually the truth.; September 17, 2008 10:28 PM
Doug said...: Ockham's razor (sometimes occham's razor) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Occam%27s_Razor

Jodi Foster, Contact! (great flic)

Just here to help! :); September 17, 2008 10:37 PM
jean said...: suzi,
I am down to 6 gallons a week.
You don't want to know the food bill LOL.

While the Enquirer (maybe I spelled it correctly) is not the top journalistic publication, they do find out a lot of stuff. Edwards.

I do think they are on a mission,
god bless them.
jean; September 17, 2008 10:40 PM
jean said...: Thank you Doug,
I appreciate that explanation.
At the end of the day sometimes I am not that sharp LOL.

jean; September 17, 2008 10:43 PM
suzihussein22 said...: doug-Thanks. The google didn't correct the spellign of achman, so I thought I was right, as usual. ;)
I didn't know you wanted me to be so detailed about which movie I had watched. I like Jodi Foster, but Nim's Island didn't even keep the attention of my kids.; September 17, 2008 10:53 PM
jean said...: This could amount to something in our favor.
http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/09/17/aig.bailout.congress/index.html; September 17, 2008 10:54 PM
jean said...: In reference to the AIG bail out I heard, talked to the husband he is listening in the car during commute, that the rate of the bail out is 11% for two years.
This was not given away.
Biden says he didn't support it but said he needed to find out the details.
http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2008/09/17/biden-waffles-on-aig-bailout/#more-19053

I think this will be very important the next few days.
jean; September 17, 2008 11:02 PM
jean said...: This comment has been removed by the author.; September 17, 2008 11:02 PM
Doug said...: Hi Suzi, at the mention of Ockham's razor and movie I immediately jumped to Contact--I really liked the film and love Jodi Foster. I didn't know what Ockham's razor was before watching the movie :) but the idea that the simplest explanation for an observed phenomenon is usually the right one makes common sense.

The application of it in the film (does God exist? what role does faith have in explaining the world?) does kind of bear on the whole Palin thing--around global warming for example. The simplest theory that fits with the observed evidence (especially in her part of the world--Alaska--with the permafrost melting) is that the warming of the earth is being caused by an increase in the concentrations of greenhouse gases, principally carbon dioxide, in turn caused by human activity, e.g. burning fossil fuels.

But it also might apply to her son's decision to join up!; September 17, 2008 11:08 PM
Beryl said...: Sarah Palin Baby Name Generator
http://politsk.blogspot.com/2008/09/sarah_13.html

Just call me Pump Bust Palin; September 17, 2008 11:13 PM
Doug said...: RE AIG and the bailout--
When the news first hit the wires I thought--a loan of 85 billion translates into 80% equity... huh?? Did AIG just dilute its stock?

But something I read today (and which I can no longer find @#%) laid it all out. In exchange for the loan, with a floating rate of the interbank rate plus 8%, the Treasury gets stock warrants worth 80% of the company. The "deal" is not a bad one on the face of it and there is a good chance the loan may actually be repaid (at least in part) and the alternative (letting AIG go down in flames) would be really disastrous--so many banks and insurance companies are tied to AIG that AIG would bring down many others too.

I wish I had the link to post and if I find it later I will put it up.; September 17, 2008 11:24 PM
jean said...: The other half is coming home with kid from practice.
Poor dude worked 16 hrs.
Have a good night.
jean; September 17, 2008 11:24 PM
Mike in Maryland said...: Oh NO!

My Palin name would be:

Claw Washout Palin

Well, if my name is supposed to be somewhat based on reality, I'll take my 'claws' and scratch her until she says 'UNCLE' and starts to tell all!

Mike; September 17, 2008 11:24 PM
suzihussein22 said...: Just a quickie observation and then goodnight folks-

A couple of things were mentioned in the SNL skit that I had to ask what they were(yes, I'm still lame and didn't read very much of that slang website)-cankles and milf; September 17, 2008 11:31 PM
Vicki in Seattle said...: "cankles" - swollen puffy ankles (or fat ankles, depending). Example, my friend claims that she gets cankles everytime she flies to Florida.

"milf" - "mother I'd like to f***". Example: Nancy Botwin in the show "Weeds" (or so I'm told). Most network TV moms are unbelievably hot and sexy as well - thus setting up an unrealistic standard for anyone with (a) babies who is (b) older than 22 or so.

does this help?; September 17, 2008 11:46 PM
Independent Voter said...: LOL Beryl; September 17, 2008 11:49 PM

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